When you have plaque and tartar coating your teeth, this could lead to major problems for your smile. Without removal, the buildup could increase the risk of tooth decay and even gingivitis and gum disease. To help avoid these, we suggest a visit for a dental cleaning. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist talks about safeguarding your smile.
The Impact of Plaque and Tartar
When the oral bacteria in our smiles break down the particles of sugar and starch left behind by our foods and drinks, this creates a sticky layer that coats the teeth. Plaque is difficult to remove with brushing and flossing alone, and will harden with time into tartar. The buildup then irritates the gum tissues and erodes the enamel to make your smile vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay. The same layers are also linked to bad breath and stained teeth as well. While brushing and flossing can limit the severity of your buildup, to remove it completely you need professional assistance.
Dental Cleanings
We recommend a dental cleaning at least once every six months for kids and adults alike. The procedure will take place during your routine exam appointment. The process is a simple one. Our team will employ an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to gently but thoroughly break up and remove all plaque and tartar from the smile. We then thoroughly polish the smile to ensure a smooth surface on the teeth and a brighter smile too. The entire process takes only a few minutes, but is essential for protecting smiles from poor oral health issues that could lead to discomfort or even lost teeth. To control the buildup until we see you again, be sure you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and also floss every evening too. Cutting back on the amount of food and drink high in sugar and starch will help as well!
Periodontal Cleanings
What if you haven’t had a professional cleaning in a while, and your gums begin to exhibit warning signs of gingivitis or gum disease, such as sore, red gums that bleed easily? You may need a more extensive cleaning. With a periodontal one, also known as a scaling and root planing, we remove the harmful buildup from both the teeth and the roots. We then again polish the teeth. The process could take one visit, or up to four, depending on the severity of your plaque and tartar.
If you have any questions about having your teeth cleaned and avoiding disease, then contact our team today.
Let’s Brighten Your Smile
Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about keeping teeth bright and strong.
